King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:12 Mean?

Matthew 22:12 in the King James Version says “And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.”

Matthew 22:12 · KJV

Context

10

So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

13

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

14

For many are called, but few are chosen.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless (ἑταῖρε, πῶς εἰσῆλθες ὧδε μὴ ἔχων ἔνδυμα γάμου; ὁ δὲ ἐφιμώθη)—The address hetaire ('friend/companion') is used by Jesus only in confrontational contexts (20:13; 26:50). The question pōs eisēlthes hōde ('how did you enter here') probes the man's presumption. The missing enduma gamou (wedding garment) represents the righteousness of Christ, which the king himself provided (tradition held that kings supplied garments to guests).

The man's response—ephimōthē ('he was silenced/muzzled')—shows the impossibility of self-justification before God. There is no excuse, no defense. This connects to Philippians 3:9 ('not having my own righteousness...but that which is through faith in Christ') and Isaiah 61:10 ('He has clothed me with garments of salvation'). The garment is not earned but received; refusing it is refusing grace itself.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient wedding customs, especially royal weddings, the host often provided appropriate garments for guests who couldn't afford them. Refusing to wear the provided garment was an insult to the host. This makes the man's lack of garment inexcusable—it was freely offered, and he chose not to wear it.

Reflection Questions

  1. If the wedding garment represents Christ's righteousness, what does it mean to try entering God's kingdom 'in your own clothes'?
  2. Why is the man 'speechless' rather than making excuses—what does this reveal about the final judgment?
  3. How does this scene balance the 'open invitation' (v. 9-10) with the requirement of righteousness—is there a contradiction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγει2 of 14

“he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ3 of 14

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἑταῖρε4 of 14

“Friend”

G2083

a comrade

πῶς5 of 14

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

εἰσῆλθες6 of 14

“camest thou”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

ὧδε7 of 14

“in hither”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

μὴ8 of 14

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχων9 of 14

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἔνδυμα10 of 14

“garment”

G1742

apparel (especially the outer robe)

γάμου11 of 14

“a wedding”

G1062

nuptials

ὁ12 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ13 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐφιμώθη14 of 14

“he was speechless”

G5392

to muzzle

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 22:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 5:161 Samuel 2:9Matthew 20:13Jeremiah 2:26Titus 3:11Matthew 26:50

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 22 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes